The
Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga, yesterday,
disclosed that Nigeria had recorded over $3billion worth of investments in the
sugar subsection since the implementation of the Nigeria Industrial Revolution
Plan, NIRP.
He
said more than 15 projects had already been situated in seven states of the
federation in furtherance of the Sugar Master Plan of the federal government.
The
Minister made this known, yesterday in a keynote address he delivered at the
opening ceremony of the 7th. National Council on Industry, Trade and Investment
(NCITI) in Makurdi.
Represented
by the Minister of State in the Ministry, Dr. Samuel Ortom, he said,
“over the
next few years, these projects will make Nigeria self-sufficient in sugar
production.
“The
projects will also employ over a million Nigerians directly and indirectly
while at the same time generating 411.7MW of electricity with $565.8million
savings from same annually.”
The
Minister pointed out further that the increased production of cement in the
country in last 10 years has made Nigeria a net exporter of cement in Africa;
“this is clear indication that we are truly on the path to industrialization in
Nigeria.”
Dr.
Aganga regretted that the over dependence of the Nigerian economy on oil
exports for 54 years was responsible for the inability of the nation to create
jobs, increase wealth and accelerate growth.
“It
was in realization of this that President Goodluck Jonathan embarked on bold
economic reforms outside the oil sector to create jobs and other opportunities
for Nigerians.
“At
the centre of this reform is the role of the National Council on Industry,
Trade and Investment and Business Development. It means that all of us have
roles to play in restructuring the Nigerian economy in order to attract more
local and foreign investors; increase value- addition; promote inclusive
growth; eradicate poverty and create more jobs for the people.”
In
his remarks at the occasion, Governor Gabriel Suswam noted that Nigeria had
achieved tremendous economic growth in the last few years.
Represented
by his deputy, Steven Lawani, he however noted that there was also need for the
nation to reduce its over-dependence on external sources for its raw materials
in the reduction of goods and services.
Vanguard
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